An image forming device is provided which embeds a decodable two-dimensional code when embedding (printing) a two-dimensional code in an original document. The image forming device represents additional information by associating virtual points with dots in one-to-one correspondence and arranges dots in positions deviated from virtual points associated with the dots. The image forming device includes a determining unit for determining intervals between the virtual points and virtual points adjacent to the virtual points and determining sizes of the dots, and an arranging unit for arranging dots having the determined sizes to respective virtual points having the determined intervals. The determining unit may determine dots to have sizes other than sizes proportional to the determined intervals.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. An apparatus for representing two-dimensional code information with an arrangement of dots, wherein one dot is associated with one virtual point, the apparatus comprising: a setting component configured to set, individually, (i) an interval between a virtual point and a virtual point adjacent to the virtual point and (ii) a size of a dot.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the setting component is capable of changing a setting of the interval without changing a setting of the size of a dot.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the setting component is capable of changing a setting of the size of a dot without changing a setting of the interval.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the virtual point is an intersection of grid lines.
5. A method for representing two-dimensional code information with an arrangement of dots, wherein one dot is associated with one virtual point, the method comprising: a setting step of setting, individually, (i) an interval between a virtual point and a virtual point adjacent to the virtual point and (ii) a size of a dot.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the setting step is capable of changing a setting of the interval without changing a setting of the size of a dot.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the setting step is capable of changing a setting of the size of a dot without changing a setting of the interval.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the virtual point is an intersection of grid lines.
9. A program on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the program causing a computer to execute the method of claim 5 .
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
January 9, 2012
November 13, 2012
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